[5] In 2013, in the midst of a bankruptcy, Joe Voyles had arranged to sell the land to a developer for residential use, and filed an application for rezoning.

"[6] A few days later in July, a member of a local historical society reported to the police that Joe Voyles had removed the gravestones that had been part of the runway.

[5] The issue of the Mathis Airport gravestones was discussed in a December 9, 2017 episode of the Science Channel's TV series What on Earth.

A few of the Mathis Airpark homeowners attempted to block the sale (and eventual closure) of the airport via bankruptcy court based upon easement rights to use the runway, but were overruled by Judge Barbara Ellis-Monro.

Historical imagery shows the developer took care to ensure demarcation of the grave sites so they were not interfered with while the properties were constructed.